International aid pledged after the Beirut blast will reach the suffering people who need it most, Lebanon’s president said on Saturday.
Lebanese President Michel Aoun also said it would take time to complete investigations into the explosion that killed 177 people and left thousands homeless.
Speaking on the French news channel, BFM TV, Mr Aoun also called himself a man of the people and said that he had not considered resigning.
"I have asked that aid sent by foreign countries be given exactly where it is needed," Mr Aoun told BFM.
Among the devastation, the UN says, there are six hospitals and more than 20 clinics were damaged and more than 120 schools destroyed. "We would like to be able to rebuild the three hospitals that were completely destroyed," UN humanitarian coordinator Najat Rochdi has said.
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People take part during a vigil for the victims lost in a massive explosion, in Beirut, Lebanon. Reuters -
A woman reacts during a vigil for the victims lost in a massive explosion, in Beirut, Lebanon. Reuters -
People attend a vigil for the victims lost in a massive explosion, in Beirut, Lebanon. Reuters -
A nun reacts during a vigil for the victims of the massive explosion, in Beirut. Reuters -
A demonstrator lights a candle during protests near the scene of a blast at Beirut's port area. Reuters -
A person holds candles during a vigil for the people killed in a massive explosion, in Beirut. Reuters -
People take part in a vigil for the victims lost in a massive explosion, in Beirut. Reuters -
People take part in a vigil for the victims of the massive explosion, in Beirut. Reuters -
People take part in a vigil for the victims lost in a massive explosion, in Beirut. Reuters
In a wide-ranging interview, Mr Aoun also touched on the investigations, political fallout after the blast and French involvement since the explosion.
"Me, I come from the people. They call me the father of the people. For me, it is so hard to hear that. I am with them, I share their pain", he said.
"We have the will to complete the investigation very quickly. We have also discovered that the situation is very complex …
“At my request, before his resignation, the government asked the Judicial Council to take care of the matter, supervise the investigation and designate an independent magistrate to investigate this crime,” he added.
He also told BFM that he has not considered resigning.
"It is impossible because this would lead us to a power vacuum. The government has resigned … If I resign, it is necessary to immediately organise elections. But the current situation in the country does not allow the organisation of such elections which would really represent the people.
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Protesters face water cannon from riot police during a demonstration organised by supporters of Hezbollah, Lebanese communist party, and other Lebanese national parties at the US embassy against US interference in Lebanon's affairs, in Awkar area north-east Beirut, Lebanon. EPA -
Protesters backed by Hezbollah, the Lebanese communist party and others during a demonstration against the United States' interference in Lebanon's affairs, near the US embassy in Awkar area, Beirut, Lebanon. EPA -
Protesters try to remove barbed wire during a demonstration by supporters of Hezbollah, Lebanese communist party, and other Lebanese national parties during a demonstration at the US embassy against US interference in Lebanon's affairs, in Awkar area north-east Beirut, Lebanon. EPA -
Protesters carry a picture of Hezbollah commander Imad Moughnyeh during a demonstration by supporters of Hezbollah, Lebanese communist party, and other Lebanese national parties at the US embassy against US interference in Lebanon's affairs, in Awkar area northeast Beirut, Lebanon. EPA -
Lebanese army soldiers in riot gear arrive to the scene where supporters of Hezbollah and communist groups protest against US interference in Lebanon's affairs, near the American embassy, in Aukar north-east of Beirut, Lebanon. AP Photo -
A Hezbollah supporter holds a placard during a protest against US interference in Lebanon's affairs, near the American embassy, in Aukar north-east of Beirut, Lebanon. AP Photo -
Protesters pull barbed-wire fence off a street during an anti-US demonstration near the American embassy in Awkar, north-east Beirut. AFP -
Protesters during an anti-US demonstration near the American embassy in Awkar, north-east of Lebanon's capital Beirut. AFP -
A protester chants slogans as he is flanked by Lebanese police during an anti-US demonstration outside the American embassy in Awkar, north-east of the capital Beirut. AFP -
Hezbollah supporters and communist groups throw stones at riot police during a protest against US interference in Lebanon's affairs, near the American embassy in Aukar, north-east of Beirut, Lebanon. AP Photo
Mr Aoun also thanks French President Emmanuel Macron for his hands-on role after the explosion, which included a visit to Beirut and helping getting international donors on board.
FBI agents are scheduled to arrive this weekend, at the invitation of Lebanon, to help investigate what led to the explosion.
